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Celebrate Life for Rhino Conservation

Celebrate Life for Rhino Conservation

Date: 2012-05-02
With just 2 months to go before they tackle Kenya's gruelling 21km Safaricom half marathon the all-women Celebrate Life 2012 team is raring to go.

Their quest to raise R1 million for rhino conservation has been spurred on by the huge increase in rhino poaching in South Africa this year. At last count 181 of these endangered animals had been killed in the first 4 months of this year.

To raise awareness and funds, 10 ordinary women have undertaken to run 21km through the Lewa Conservancy in northern Kenya in aid of the Tusk Trust - a respected worldwide organisation which raises funds for anti poaching projects to help save rhino and elephant throughout Africa. The Trust, of which Prince William is the royal patron, also supports various rural settlements plus the education of local people in wildlife conservation.

Led by Umhlanga-based nursing sister Cherry Armstrong, the team has already held several fundraising events, the most recent being a very successful golf day at Mt Edgecombe Country Club.

Next up is a Wine Tasting and Auction at Mr Price Kings Park Basil Medway Room on May 17 from 6pm to 9pm (tickets R50 each with snacks.) Also planned are another Barnyard fundraiser and a "Give it Horns" party at Durban nightclub The Origin.

The team has also enjoyed the support of The Sharks rugby team, thanks to team members Megan Harris, who is The Sharks PR and Communications Manager, and Lara Plumtree, wife of Sharks coach John. "Because the guys really believe in the cause they have been hugely supportive at our various events and we've featured in the Sharks magazine and TV show," said Harris. "The guys are right behind us every step of the way."

Joined by other team members, journalist Debbie Reynolds, who has always baulked at running, managed a 10km trail walk/run last weekend at Durban's Green Hub.

The 21km we will be doing at Lewa is a trail run at high altitude with high temperatures, so we really have to put the time and distance in over the next two months," said Reynolds. "It's going to be tough, but we are all very committed. Our next hurdle is tackling the 15km in the Discovery/ECR Big Walk."

The team is appealing to individual and corporate sponsors for donations, which may be made through their fund-raising number 803118 to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/life2012 or use the local bank account which is Life celebrate 2012, FNB, Durban North, Account No: 6234780176. For more information about events and sponsorship contact Cherry Armstrong at cherryarmstrong@tiscali.co,za or Debbie Reynolds at reynolds@durbs.com